Smart meter: how to manage your energy

Smart meters are changing how UK households manage their energy, providing a clear route to more accurate billing and better control over consumption. These digital devices automatically send energy readings to suppliers, significantly reducing the reliance on estimated bills. They also offer detailed, near real-time data on your energy usage, often available through an in-home display or a mobile app, helping you make informed decisions about your energy habits.

Discover how a smart meter can transform your energy management. Fuse Energy helps you make the most of your smart meter data with clear insights and support. Click here to get started.

What is a smart meter and how does it work?

A smart meter is a digital device that measures your home's gas and electricity consumption, then automatically sends these readings to your energy supplier. This means you are billed for the energy you actually use, rather than estimates, which can help you budget more effectively.

Automatic readings and data

Unlike traditional meters that require manual readings, smart meters communicate wirelessly via a secure national network, not your home internet. This automated process ensures your supplier receives accurate, up-to-date information on your energy use. Electricity usage is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) and recorded in near real-time, while gas usage typically provides one daily cumulative reading. This granular data is crucial for understanding your consumption patterns.

Your in-home display

Most smart meters come with an in-home display (IHD), a small screen that shows your overall energy usage in pounds and pence, often updating every few seconds for electricity and every 30 minutes for gas. This immediate feedback helps you see your overall energy consumption and identify opportunities to reduce it. It is a powerful tool for monitoring and adjusting your habits, putting you in direct control of your energy use.

Key benefits for UK households

Smart meters offer several tangible benefits that can help UK households manage their energy more effectively and potentially save money.

Accurate bills and usage insights

One of the most significant advantages of a smart meter is that it significantly reduces the reliance on estimated bills. By sending automatic readings to your supplier, you only pay for the energy you have actually used. The in-home display provides clear insights into your consumption, allowing you to track how much energy you are using and when. This transparency can highlight energy-intensive habits, guiding you towards more efficient use.

Flexible tariffs and potential savings

Smart meters are a gateway to a new generation of flexible tariffs, including time-of-use tariffs that offer cheaper rates during off-peak hours. By shifting high-energy activities, such as charging an electric vehicle or running a washing machine, to these cheaper periods, you have the potential to reduce your energy costs. While installing a smart meter does not automatically guarantee savings, actively monitoring your usage and adapting to flexible tariffs can lead to noticeable reductions in your energy bills. According to Ofgem, the average UK home uses around 2,500 kWh of electricity per year1, so understanding your usage can make a real difference.

Addressing common concerns

It is natural to have questions about new technology, and smart meters are no exception. Addressing common concerns helps clarify their role in modern energy management.

Data privacy and reliability

Concerns about data privacy are understandable, but smart meters are designed with security in mind. They collect information on how much energy is used and when, which is classified as personal data, but not sensitive personal identifiers like your name, address, or financial details, nor do they monitor individual appliances. This data is encrypted and transmitted over a dedicated, secure network, not your home internet, making it highly secure. In terms of reliability, smart meters use a secure national network for communication. While connectivity issues can sometimes occur, energy suppliers and network operators are continuously working to ensure stable and reliable service.

The RTS switch-off explained

The Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) is a legacy system that used radio signals to switch between peak and off-peak electricity rates, primarily for older multi-rate meters and electric heating systems. This service is being phased out across the UK energy industry, with the signal beginning to be switched off from 30 June 2025. If you have an RTS meter, your current energy supplier will need to replace it with a smart meter to ensure your heating and hot water continue to function correctly and you remain on the appropriate tariff. This upgrade is typically free of charge. It is important to contact your supplier to arrange this replacement before the service fully ceases to avoid potential disruption to your energy supply and billing.

Getting a smart meter for your home

Getting a smart meter installed is a straightforward process that your energy supplier handles.

Eligibility and installation process

Most UK households are eligible for a smart meter, and energy suppliers are required to offer them. To get one, simply contact your current energy supplier. They will arrange an appointment for a trained engineer to visit your home and install the new meters (one for gas and one for electricity, if applicable). The installation is free of charge. The engineer will also demonstrate how to use your new in-home display and answer any questions you may have. You do not choose a specific smart meter model; your supplier will install a compliant meter.

Empowered energy management with Fuse

For Fuse customers, your smart meter is the essential link to transparent energy monitoring and management through the Fuse app. The app leverages the accurate, near real-time data from your smart meter to provide you with clear, actionable insights into your energy usage. This means you can track your consumption, understand your spending, and identify opportunities to save, all from your smartphone. The Fuse app puts control directly into your hands, moving beyond a simple in-home display to offer a comprehensive view of your energy habits.

Should you encounter any smart meter connectivity or operational issues, Fuse's 24/7 human customer support is available to help resolve them quickly and efficiently. This ensures that you can always rely on your smart meter data to make informed choices and take advantage of flexible tariffs, contributing to a more efficient energy system. By providing clear, actionable usage data, smart meters empower you to make informed choices, gain control over your energy, and move beyond a scarcity mindset.

Managing your energy bills should be clear and easy to understand. Fuse Energy focuses on straightforward pricing, so you can see exactly what you are paying without unnecessary complexity. If you have a smart meter, you can view detailed usage data through the app or website, helping you understand how you can lower your bills. Our 24/7 human support team is always on hand with fast response times whenever you need help. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today. Find out about our mission by clicking here.